Personal Perspective: Betty

When I was diagnosed with MS about thirty-eight years ago, I was hardly inspired by the medical advice I was given:

"You'll have to learn to live with it, because there is no cure."

Well, ever since, I have been doing just that - living with MS.

The relationship has NOT been joyful. At times, MS has affected me from the top of my head right down to my toes.

How could I learn to live with such a sneaky, unpredictable disease? I might have an attack of MS tomorrow, or next month, or next year, or perhaps I would never have another attack, ever.

The shock of learning I had MS when I was 27 has always remained vivid in my mind. What was going to happen to me? How much worse would I get? Every twinge and twitch was surely another sign of MS - I was continually carrying out a physical self-examination.

So here I am today, an MS veteran - living alone, driving a car, gardening, cooking and enjoying life more than when I was diagnosed all those years ago, which may seem strange because then I was fit and agile.

Why am I happier today?

I have lost my terrible fear of MS!

From my years of living with MS I think I have learned a thing or two. I have learned not to compare my symptoms with another person who has MS because each person is different. Most people with MS are only mildly affected and are able to continue working and paying taxes just like anyone else!

I found that mentally and emotionally I grew much stronger as my symptoms became more bothersome. I continued to work and made several trips overseas on my own - determined that MS was not going to run my life!

Betty McKinnon
Raumati Beach, New Zealand

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